Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Behind-the-Wheel Test
Taking the behind-the-wheel driving test can be nerve-wracking, whether you’re a first-time driver or someone renewing a license. It’s the final step between you and your driver’s license, so you naturally want to pass on the first try. Unfortunately, many learners make common mistakes that could easily be avoided with a little preparation and practice.
At Get Drivers Ed, we help drivers prepare for every aspect of the licensing process, including the behind-the-wheel test. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes made during the driving test and provide tips to help you avoid them. Understanding these errors will help you feel more confident and prepared when the big day comes.
1. Not Checking Mirrors and Blind Spots
The Importance of Observation
One of the most common mistakes learners make during the behind-the-wheel test is failing to properly check their mirrors and blind spots. Examiners pay close attention to how frequently you check your mirrors and whether you’re aware of your surroundings. Not doing so can indicate poor observational skills, which is a major safety concern.
Always check your mirrors when you:
Start the vehicle
Merge into another lane
Change directions
Prepare to turn or stop
In addition to your mirrors, don’t forget to check your blind spots—this is especially important when merging or changing lanes. Failing to check blind spots is a common reason many drivers lose points on their test.
Practice Good Habits
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of building good driving habits. During your practice sessions, make it a habit to check your mirrors and blind spots regularly, even when you’re confident there’s no traffic around. Consistent practice will make these actions second nature by the time you take the test.
2. Improper Lane Changes
Lane Discipline is Key
Another common mistake during the driving test is improper lane changes. Whether you're on a residential street or a busy highway, making safe lane changes is critical. Many learners either forget to signal, fail to check for cars in other lanes, or change lanes too quickly. This can lead to dangerous situations and cause you to lose points on the test.
When changing lanes, make sure to:
Signal early to let other drivers know your intentions.
Check mirrors and blind spots before moving.
Change lanes smoothly, without sudden jerks or overcorrections.
Examiners want to see that you can change lanes safely and smoothly, so it’s important to take your time and avoid rushing.
3. Rolling Stops at Stop Signs
Fully Stop, Every Time
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid on the behind-the-wheel test is failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Too often, learners perform a “rolling stop,” where the car slows down but doesn’t come to a full stop. This is a serious violation of traffic laws and a common reason for failing the test.
When approaching a stop sign:
Make sure your vehicle comes to a full and complete stop.
Look in all directions for pedestrians and oncoming traffic before proceeding.
Follow the right-of-way rules if you arrive at the stop sign at the same time as another vehicle.
At Get Drivers Ed, we recommend practicing full stops at every stop sign and red light. This will help you avoid the temptation to roll through during your test.
4. Incorrect Speed Control
Speeding or Driving Too Slowly
Maintaining the correct speed is crucial during your driving test. Going too fast or too slow can both lead to losing points or even failing the test. Speeding can be dangerous, especially in residential areas or school zones, while driving too slowly can disrupt traffic flow.
Make sure to:
Observe speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly.
Slow down in school zones, construction areas, or when driving through neighborhoods.
Avoid driving significantly below the speed limit, as this can be considered unsafe and overly cautious.
In addition to monitoring your speed, be aware of changing road conditions, such as weather or traffic, and adjust your speed accordingly.
5. Failure to Yield
Understanding Right of Way
Many learners struggle with right-of-way rules, leading to mistakes during their driving test. Failing to yield the right of way when required is a common error that can result in a serious safety issue during your test.
Some examples of when you need to yield include:
At four-way stop signs: Yield to the driver on your right if you arrive at the same time.
When making left turns: Always yield to oncoming traffic.
At pedestrian crosswalks: Always stop for pedestrians, even if they’re not directly in front of you.
Not yielding properly during your test can lead to dangerous situations, so be sure to fully understand right-of-way rules before taking your test.
6. Inadequate Parallel Parking
Parking With Precision
Parallel parking is often one of the most stressful parts of the behind-the-wheel test. Many learners feel intimidated by the precision required, and it’s a common area where points are lost.
To avoid mistakes:
Practice parallel parking as much as possible before your test.
Focus on your positioning: Start close to the curb without hitting it.
Take your time: There’s no rush to complete the maneuver. Use your mirrors, check your blind spots, and back up slowly.
At Get Drivers Ed, we recommend practicing parallel parking in various locations, such as in front of driveways or between two parked cars. This will help you become more confident and prepared for your test.
7. Nervousness and Lack of Confidence
Stay Calm and Focused
Finally, one of the biggest obstacles learners face during the driving test is nervousness. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, but excessive nervousness can lead to avoidable mistakes. Many learners forget simple things, like signaling or checking their mirrors, because they’re too focused on the examiner’s presence.
Here are a few tips to stay calm:
Breathe: Take deep breaths before your test to relax.
Focus on the road, not the examiner: Remember, the examiner is just there to observe, not to intimidate.
Practice: The more practice you have before the test, the more confident you’ll feel.
By staying calm and collected, you’ll be better equipped to avoid the common mistakes we’ve discussed.
Conclusion: Prepare, Practice, and Pass Your Behind-the-Wheel Test
Passing the behind-the-wheel test may seem daunting, but by avoiding common mistakes like failing to check mirrors, making improper lane changes, or rolling through stop signs, you can significantly improve your chances of success. At Get Drivers Ed, we provide the tools and knowledge you need to master these skills and feel confident behind the wheel.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up for our driver education course today and gain the confidence you need to pass your behind-the-wheel test and become a safe, responsible driver!
